Boomers seeking “individualistic living compounds” in which to thrive

LONDON: Boomers are increasingly seeking individualistic living creative compounds within which they can thrive.

A secluded Byron Bay estate with two breathtaking residences and a designer treehouse set across nearly ten hectares of grounds with native rainforest and a private waterfall is open to offers.

The iconic Longwood estate at 541 Friday Hut Rd, Possum Creek was completed over several years by its artist owners, Victoria Polasek and Sean Bassett, and is marketed by Su Reynolds and Helen Huntly-Barratt, of First National Byron.

Approved for dual occupancy, the property comprises Stone House, the striking gallery-inspired main home, and the eclectic four-bedroom Creek House — each positioned for total privacy and offering magical forest outlooks.

Then there’s the fantastical two-storey Japanese treehouse observatory, originally constructed by a ship builder from hardwood and serving as an ideal writer’s retreat or place of quiet reflection broken only by birdsong.

The owners purchased the property in 2011, undertaking renovation of Creek House, which is situated by a waterfall that cascades into a deep natural swimming hole, before embarking on construction of the architecturally designed Stone House.

Its dramatic form took final shape late last year; with separate living wings connected by a series of breezeways.

Internal walls were crafted from 100 tonnes of rare convict-era sandstone blocks, heavy timbers sourced from old rail bridges run the length of soaring ceilings; and expanses of glass fill cavernous space with warmth and light.

The three-level home has five bedrooms, five living areas and a home theatre, as well as a home office.

Ms Polasek said celebrated interior designer Nola Remmers was engaged to showcase avant garde style in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Silk carpets from Milan and glamorous English printed wallpaper bring further flair to living spaces, which also feature treasured pieces such as Italian chandeliers from the owners’ personal collections as past antique dealers.

“Walking through the house, rather than narrow hallways you have 5m wide breezeways to use as lounge, dining or gallery space,” said Ms Polasek.

“It’s really a space for people — they might have some art that they want to live with, that they can appreciate walking slowly through the breezeways.”

She and Mr Bassett represent artists from around the world through their online platform, Sculptura.

“We have our website, but if people come out to our home and they see a sculpture that they like it is quite a nice visit for them here, to see it in situ.”

Outside is a magnesium pool and cabana, while a woodfired pizza oven and firepit complement al fresco decks. A pecan grove and exotic fruit trees also flourish on the grounds.

With the couple now setting their sights on a new creative venture, Ms Polasek said the property had been listed for sale without a price in order to meet the market.

Their experience listing the property last year with Christian Sergiacomi, of Pacifico Property Byron Bay, saw a contract drawn up for an enamoured but ultimately non-committal buyer who had offered an eye-watering $30 million.

“It was very odd but that’s how that figure got up there. He said, ‘I’m your buyer, I want it, I’m going to give you this much’, and it was over $30 million,” Ms Polasek said.

“He pushed the price up but that’s certainly not our expectation. We’ll be led by the market.”